Wed Dec 11 15:38:49 UTC 2024: **Supreme Court Vows to Eliminate Manual Scavenging in India**
NEW DELHI, December 11, 2024 – The Supreme Court of India has reiterated its commitment to eradicating manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks across the country. In a hearing on Wednesday, a special bench expressed deep concern over the continued practice, despite a previous October 2023 judgment mandating its elimination.
The court emphasized the issue’s connection to human dignity, stating it would pursue all available measures to ensure compliance with its earlier directives. The October 2023 judgment, which increased compensation for sewer-related deaths to ₹30 lakh, highlighted the continued prevalence of this “inhuman” occupation, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The court noted that despite the existence of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the government’s NAMASTE scheme aimed at mechanizing sanitation, the problem persists.
Justice Dhulia pointed out the lack of progress, stating that no municipality in India has completely eliminated hazardous cleaning. Supporting this claim, amicus curiae K. Parameshwar cited recent Delhi High Court judgments awarding compensation in cases of sewer-related deaths, demonstrating the ongoing issue.
The court directed the Ministry of Social Justice to collaborate with state governments within two weeks to develop a comprehensive action plan for implementing the October 2023 judgment. Failure to comply could result in contempt of court proceedings. The Supreme Court’s strong stance underscores the urgency of addressing this persistent human rights violation.
First Piper 